HESSolaSeriesSteerstheRodeo

Photos: David Jackson

It’s rodeo time in Texas; High End Systems products are again rounding out the rig and steering the controls at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. LD Systems is continuing its tradition of providing the production for the daily performances Feb. 7-23 at the AT&T Center.

LD David Jackson designed the rig over the dirt-filled arena with 16 SolaSpot 1000s, all outfitted with HES’ patented lens defogging system to keep clear and buck the dust in the air. Using the LED automated luminaires saves them from being saddled with high lamp costs over the aggressive performance schedule, while offering consistent colors and a slew of special effects.

“During the rodeo we trim above the main center screens and for the concert we bring the truss to just below the screens,” Jackson explains. “We have four SolaSpot 1000s per side on our main hang – which our guest LDs who have come through really enjoy. It is a rock solid fixture that we rely on for many our specials throughout the rodeo and during the concert portion – they hold their own against the wash. The colors are spectacular along with the effects from the animation wheel.”

Aaron Watson kicked off the string of shows, each day featuring another big name artist such as Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, Trace Adkins, Sammy Hagar, among others, and closing with Brett Eldridge.

As the House LD, Jackson assists the visting LDs to interface with the system. “We allow our guest LDs to program their show the way they wish,” he explains. “I also integrate any media to the house video crew. If the band is not carrying an LD, then I program a show for them.”

Jackson is using two Full Boar 4 consoles at the FOH, finding its features helpful for the daily pace of rodeo performances. “If the band is not carrying an LD, then I program a show for them,” he notes. That could mean programming a new show every night. The workload doubles on weekends, with a matinee and evening performance featuring two different acts.

Last year, LD Systems switched to a Hog console for the rodeo, and Jackson is pleased with the change. He has relied on the Hog platform for eight years now to make his job easier - especially when time is tight and there’s a new show to program every night.

“The Full Boar 4 makes it easy to put together a show quickly from scratch,” Jackson says. “And with the inclusion of the command buttons, batches, and now the virtual on-screen faders, it makes laying out everything easier all the time.”

Once the rodeo is over, the dust will have little time to settle for the crew. LD Systems is hoisting a Texas-sized rig with HES equipment in the massive Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. LD Nathan Brittain has roped in 30 SolaFrame 3000s, 14 SolaSpot 1000s and 10 SolaHyBeam 1000s for the star-shaped rig, running Feb. 25-March 17 at NRG Stadium.